The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen fell 14.57 points, or 0.56 percent, to 2,579.75, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 7.81 points, or 0.31 percent, to 2,486.67.

Among the most active stocks in Shanghai were Baotou Steel , up 10 percent to 3.08 yuan; Bank Of China , up 0.65 percent to 3.10 yuan and Citic Securities , down 2.08 percent to 15.06 yuan.